You'll have to wait for the gawk-fest that will ensue

There's a giant Apple Store coming to a giant national landmark, but it won't be open this Friday despite rumors that Black Friday would have marked an epic grand opening for the store.

Reports of the store's Friday grand opening were numerous but vague and unsubstantiated. According to a construction worker quoted by Mashable, there are still weeks, if not longer, before everything will be in place.

"It won't be any time too soon. We still have a lot to do, so my guess is that it will be ready in December," the worker said.

Even if it opens next month, the speed of construction will have been mind-blowing. Work on the store didn't begin until earlier this year.

And this won't be a tiny little storefront like so many other stores in Grand Central. In fact, not only will it be the biggest retailer in the massive train station, it will be the biggest Apple Store location in the world. A massive 23,000 square feet have been set aside for the store.

The rent is rumored to be as much as $1 million or more. In addition, Apple had to pay $5 million to buy out the remainder of a lease that belonged to the previous Grand Central tenant.

As for missing a Black Friday opening, it's unlikely to make that much of a difference. Apple isn't exactly known for its super deals and discounts, and even though Grand Central is one of the most pedestrian-traveled locations in the entire country, it is generally dead on holiday weekends.

Nevertheless, for Apple to effectively have paid $6 million for its first month in rent, it no doubt wants to be able to rake in at least some of the holiday shopping revenue.

The Author

Mark RabyBased in New York City, Mark follows the consumer electronics industry like a hawk. A published book author, he has a particular affinity for 3D technology and video games, and as such will surely be in the market for a new pair of glasses soon. Mark can be contacted directly at mark@i4u.com.